Things to do in Chelmsford

Well connected to the capital yet much more than a London commuter town, the city of Chelmsford offers a bustling foodie scene, shopping hub and varied nightlife of sleek bars, live music and jam-packed theatre programmes. Nestled in the heart of the Essex countryside and along the River Can, it’s the perfect base to explore the delights of the great English outdoors, without straying from the home comforts of restaurants and entertainment on your doorstep from our Chelmsford hotels. It has been an excellent location for shopping ever since the market of 1199 formed the origins of the modern city, with department stores and small boutiques side by side. The music festival scene brings the city alive every summer, welcoming superstars to the likes of Beyoncé at the local Hylands Park. There’s something for you, your family and friends to enjoy at all times of year within this historic city, so if you’re wondering what to do in Chelmsford, our handy guide is here to help.

Show more

Show less

Attractions

The city’s centre is home to charming historic streets, Chelmsford Cathedral and many parks and green spaces. The surrounding countryside also has a lot to offer, with stately homes and beautiful gardens, including Hylands Park estate, which hosts famous music festivals.

Show more

Show less

Shopping

Chelmsford is a great shopping hub just outside London, with plenty of big shops as well as boutique stores within the compact centre. Two Chelmsford shopping centres offer great city centre shopping for when the skies open, as well as plenty of bars and restaurants.

Show more

Show less

Activities

Explore the surrounding Essex countryside with plenty of outdoor activities and adventures for the whole family in woodlands, parks and on the water. You can also keep the kids active whatever the weather, from ice skating to trampolining and a soft-play centre.

Show more

Show less

Places to eat

From high-end Asian delights to afternoon teas and authentic street food, the choice for places to eat in Chelmsford is endless. A large selection ofrestaurants in the city centre includes all of the best chains, as well as quirky independents, all within walking distance of bars, theatres and everything to entertain you.

Show more

Show less

Nightlife

Chelmsford boasts a varied nightlife, with music nights, modern bars and the largest club in Essex – there’s something for everyone. Catch the sun’s rays by sampling the city’s variety of beer gardens, try some cocktails over dinner, then keep on dancing once the sun goes down.

Show more

Show less

Entertainment

Quirky live music venues, comedy nights and a wide range of sports fixtures will keep everybody entertained in Chelmsford, day or night. Enjoy a day in the summer sun with the Twenty20 matches at Essex Cricket ground, or check out the city’s bustling theatre scene.

Show more

Show less

Culture

Get the kids interested in history with interactive displays at Chelmsford’s museums, giving them the chance to dress up or even lock their parents in a Victorian jail cell! The city also offers a variety of galleries, and has an impressive range of music, festivals and events across the year, celebrating everything from the biggest names in music to the tastiest food.

Show more

Show less

Theatres

Chelmsford’s theatres attract a huge range of top-notch acts to its three stages, from classic toe-tapping musicals and a variety of plays, to big names in comedy. They’re all surrounded by an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars within the city centre, perfect for wining and dining before (and after!) the performance.

Show more

Show less

Pubs

A visit to a historic English city wouldn’t be complete without sampling its selection of pubs, from the alehouses with impressive drinks selections, to the best places for a Sunday roast. Enjoy a knees-up in a traditional cosy setting, whether it’s within the city centre or after a long walk in the Essex countryside.

Show more

Show less

Getting around

Chelmsford boasts excellent links to London – up to six trains an hour can have you whizzing directly to London Liverpool Street station. It’s also only half an hour from Stansted Airport, with flights to a variety of international destinations. This well-connected hub is the perfect base from which to explore both city and rolling countryside.

To improve and personalise your visit we use first and third party marketing and analytical cookies. By using this site you agree to this. You can withdraw your consent at any time. See our Cookie notice for information on how to block or disable cookies.

Cookies, pixel tags and similar technologies we use

First and third party cookies and similar technologies are used on this site to provide a personalised online experience, commercial messages tailored to your interests, advertising based on your browsing habits and for measurement purposes to improve our site, services and interest based content and adverts. By using our site, you agree to cookies and such technologies being used and the sharing of your data with our trusted affiliates and partners. You can find out more and withdraw your consent at any time.

See our Cookie Notice for full information including how to block or disable them. To accept cookies, click I consent.